Russian fighters sexually abuse 14-year-old girl in Mali

A 14-year-old girl arrived at a refugee clinic with an untreated infection from an alleged sexual assault by Russian fighters in Mali, according to France 24 on December 14th.

Mali has seen a surge in sexual violence against young girls and women; however, the shame the victims experience hides the realities of exploitation and gender-based violence in a country full of conflict.

when the young girl arrived at the clinic, she was barely alive, her chest showing no sign of movement, with medical workers rushing to attach an IV drip.

Bethsabee Djoman Elidje, the women’s health manager, said, “It was the last moment to save her life. The girl had an infection after a sexual assault and had been in shock, untreated for days.” The young girl’s family said that she had been raped by Russian fighters who burst into their tent.

The aunt of the young girl described how two men took her into another tent and abused her as she tried to defend herself. Her family could not do anything to stop the armed fighters.

“We were so scared that we were not even able to scream anymore,” the aunt recalled as the mother sobbed next to her. Like many women, the aunt only agreed to speak on the condition that she remain anonymous. Fear of retaliation if names are brought to light is a real risk.

The young girl’s story is one that is common in Mali. Many women and children have been sexually abused by people on all sides during the decade-long conflict Mali has been involved in.

Malian refugees have called out the Russian military unit, Africa Corps, for committing many human rights abuses, which involve rape and beheadings. This came to light after an AP News investigation on December 7 obtained witness testimonies.

The presence of Russian forces has helped Mali’s President, Assimi Goita, to maintain stability in the country. However, the presence of the Russian mercenaries has raised concerns for civilians, with the UN calling for an investigation into the Africa Corps, the replacement of the Wagner group which was initially deployed to Mali in 2021 following its coup.

France24, Maghrebi.org